Things to do in New York for special week!!

quinn05

Hi All



I will be proposing to my better half this December and whisking her off to New York for 6 days to buy the engagement ring.
Looking for things to do whilst over.

I have looked into the usuals like shopping, broadway, central park etc but just seeing what people may suggest to do that would be really special whilst over.

Cheers

Theboinkmaster

Rivercafe - look it up, fantastic view of the NY skyline.

shuffles88

Aww you lucky ducks! Well this is probably obvious but take her to Rockerfeller Centre where they have the enormous tree all lit up and get some hot chocolate and watch people Ice Skating, then to top that all off go to the Top of the Rock Observation deck, in my opinion it's the best view in all of New York. The Empire State building looks beautiful from up there I would imagine its fantastic to see at dusk (and very romantic too).

Gatica

Totally agree with the Rockefeller suggestion, it's beautiful there.

We also did a boat-ride in central park. You hire a row-boat and just go off around the lake, it's really romantic, as you can dock under one of those weeping willows - in fact a lovely spot to pop the question and if she says no, you can always push her in ah, no, I'm just kidding :rolleyes:
There's a small restaurant near where they rent the boats and it's got a lovely view of the lake, it does require booking though as they're very busy. The alternative is a fast-food stall behind it, which naturally won't hit the romance note as well.
We also went to Tiffany's to have a look around and grabbed a coffee to drink outside, just like in the movie I'm a bit sad like that.
And the Disney shop, it's huge! if she likes that sort of stuff, it's a nice feel-good place to visit.

cheekyass

My Fiance proposed to me in Central park on one of the row boats that you can rent and it was so romantic!!!! I would seriously recommend this!!!!

Also you can rent bikes in Central park which is lovely!!!!

I really enjoyed the open top bus tour (although it may be really cold in December so maybe you wouldn't like to do this! also people seem to think its a bit too touristy but I really enjoyed this!)

Go and see a broadway show too, we saw the Lion King and it was amazing!!!!

Good luck, its all very exciting!!!!

shuffles88

I believe they stop renting out the boats in November and that's weather permitting even at that, I would agree with the others though it is absolutely gorgeous

Gatica

aww... that's a shame as it seems we had consensus on that!

Does it snow in New York? Proposal at a snowy Rockefeller would also be romantic... (although I know there's no guaranteeing any kind of weather)

shuffles88

There is usually some snow at that time of the year, if not it'll still be very, very cold. Last year they were also hit with very bad snowstorms the same as ourselves all through December.

Gatica

I know getting stuck somewhere because of snow storms is not practical, but wouldn't it be romantic? :rolleyes:

MaevelovesNY

You should definitely go to South Street Sea Port - it is beautiful at night!night time is the best as you can see the Manhattan Skyline (all the lights so v romantic!).There are also some lovely restaurants and shops too and a view of the statue of liberty.Pier 18 is where you'll get the best view!IOh and it's especially nice at Christmas time!Definitely visit Rockefeller centre some evening to see the Christmas tree,ice skaters and angels!Also I would visit Grenwhich village and Soho:)Enjoy!

Heyes

There is loads of snow in New York so i dont think you ll have to worry on that front

mollybird

My fiance proposed to me on an evening cruise around manhatten island. on a boat called the bateaux. it was soo romantic. he got all the elements in one go:) sun set, water and most important the statue of liberty:) and we even have a proper pic of the moment. will treasure it forever:p

they give a 3 course meal and a fab jazz/soul band playing.

Supraman

Just back from NY after doing the same . We got engaged on the second day of our trip and it was great because there was a great mood for the week after that

We looked in Jersey Gardens as there was a few jewelers there , nothing that rellay stood out to be honest . We hit the diamond district the next day and she found her dream ring in a jewelers called James & Co. Just a few yards off 5th Avenue on 47th Street http://www.jamesandco.com/ . The ring is GIA certified and has very good details in it .

Obviously I'm not going to name a price but I will say they were quite competitive in their pricing . We were very happy with the service that we got in there too . It's a jewelers that you have to be buzzed into and felt much more private than some of the other jewelers that were in the diamond district . Some of them seemed seedy if I'm honest as you passed the window displays beckoning you to come in . I'm all for people trying to give a service but it feels like a spanish strip with waitresses promising cut price shots on entry outside some of the places we passed .

James & Co. seemed very interested in doing business the correct way for a purchase like this . I honestly couldn't praise the place enough .

Best of luck with the hunt . If you need any other NY tips or whatever feel free to pm as we've been there 6 years and with any bit of luck will be there again in the future .

SuiteCheex

Have a look at this thread and this thread for some ideas.

My fav (as I've stated on these threads) is to go to Grimaldi's on Fulton St for the best pizza in NYC and then stroll back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in THAT skyline.

Top tip: Do this at dusk/nighttime for optimal viewing pleasure.

EDIT: Just realised you're going in December and so I have to tell you to go see the Nutcracker. http://www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html
Recommending a ballet may sound like I'm being pretentious but I really am not (Die Hard is my fav film of all time, that's the kind of guy I am!) When I went to see the Nutcracker a couple of years ago, I was blown away. It'll get you in the festive spirit quicker than a Christmas party in Nakatomi Plaza!!

Paul_Hacket

I've lived in New York for 20 years. Trust me - if you knew what I do about the business and ethical practices of the people running the diamond district here you would not be purchasing an engagement ring from them. I've written about this before and my experience has generally been that people don't want to hear it - Irish people have somehow gotten it into their heads that the diamond district in NY is an amazing 'deal'. As someone who knows quite a bit about gemstones I can tell you that it isn't - you will be ripped off. Doubly so as soon as they hear your accent.

If you want more details I'll be happy to supply them. Some of which would relate to the fact that the religious sect that runs the district is extremely misogynistic and anti-woman (for me that would kind of rule them out as people to deal with when buying a token of romantic affection). Others would involve the fact that the diamonds they are selling you become virtually worthless once you walk out the door. They have very little intrinsic value and only command the prices that they do because they are sold by a cartel which maintains artificial scarcity.

Do you really want to start your marriage by being manipulated via marketing campaigns into buying a token that has virtually zero intrinsic value?

Unless you are a very wealthy person I would implore you to consider buying an artificial cubic zirconia diamond which will be visibly indistinguishable from a diamond and will save you thousands. Or you could buy her a sapphire - a stone which is actually worth the cash you pay for it since they actually are scarce. If you REALLY have to buy a diamond you will get one online for about 30 -50% less than you will pay in the diamond district - PM me if you want details.

Don't be manipulated by De Beers and their endless marketing propaganda into starting your married life by being ripped off and enriching people who are, frankly, con men.

You might find the below article interesting:

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO SELL A USED DIAMOND:
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/02/have-you-ever-tried-to-sell-a-diamond/4575/

helimachoptor

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

Rivercafe - look it up, fantastic view of the NY skyline.

fcukers cancelled my reservation